Character Profile: Bailey Cooper (Arc 1)
Name: Bailey Cooper
Age: 13
Background:
Bailey has lived a sheltered life. He lives with his mom, a very supportive and loving women. Bailey’s dad received no custody after the pair divorced. Bailey is too young to remember much about his dad, and when asked his brother won’t tell him anything, so he doesn’t push.
Bailey and his brother Theodore have been extremely close since they were young. They have a unifying interest in science and discovery. Most of their free time was spent exploring nature growing up, Theodore always taking the lead, Bailey fulfilling the role of the devoted disciple. Being homeschooled for several years meant pair didn’t have many friends as children, and didn’t feel like they needed them, because they had each other. Bailey has always looked up to Theodore, who in turn is dependent on his younger brother’s approval.
Personality:
Bailey has a calming presence and likes to take life slowly. He is quite unsure of himself, preferring to be told what to do rather than calling the shots. His absent-minded, unassuming demeanor masks a depth that is not immediately apparent, however. Inwardly, he is intelligent, insightful, and capable, though he often chooses not to show it. Those closest to him also notice a controlling, temperamental side that others rarely witness. He can be quite suspicious of new people and circumstances, and he hates change. It can take him a while to warm up to others, tending to form deep bonds with a few chosen people rather than establishing a network of relationships.
Bailey’s gentle nature means that he is naturally introspective and empathetic. Those around him appreciate the quiet support he offers. Seeing other people upset makes him deeply uncomfortable, however, a trait that contorts into something more sinister as he develops as a character. Growing up Bailey was quite open and expressive when it came to his emotions, but in recent years he’s become increasingly guarded. It’s easier to suppress his overwhelming and complicated emotions than confront them, and he wishes that those around him would do the same. He tries to see the positives in every situation, a seemingly admirable trait that is ultimately more of an unhealthy coping mechanism.
Misc
His mom is the kind of mom who pre-peels their kids’ oranges and leaves notes in their lunchbox.
His favorite animal is an otter.
He wants to be a marine biologist.
It’s impossible to keep him away from a body of water he loves swimming.
He’s an A/B student, very smart but often turns in late work due to his forgetful nature.
Relationships
Theodore: Bailey’s tendency to put people on a pedestal is best demonstrated in his relationship with Theodore, which has recently become strained due to a growing awareness of his brother’s flaws and shortcomings. Bailey’s overwhelmed by all the changes in his life recently: on one hand, he is happier than he has ever been, his friendship with Brooke deeper and more fulfilling than he could have ever imagined. On the other hand, he feels guilty that he and his brother are drifting apart and is deeply afraid of growing up.
Parker: Bailey is polite but standoffish with Parker, finding her off-putting. He is bothered by her budding friendship with Brooke, but he’s unsure if he’s rightly apprehensive or just jealous.
Brooke: Bailey and Brooke have a deep connection, even though they’ve only known each other for a few months. They are often wandering off on their own, talking and losing track of time. Brooke is not afraid to call Bailey out when needed and pushes him to be more independent. Authenticity comes easily to Bailey when Brooke is around, drawn to her down to earth, genuine nature. Baileys often offended when someone implies he has a crush on her, because he feels their connection is deeper than that.
